What began as a routine delegation to learn about and experience Diaspora Jewry turned into something far more powerful: a week marked by war, uncertainty, and, above all, an outpouring of solidarity that reaffirmed just how deep and unshakable our global Jewish bond truly is.
Leading delegations of influential Israelis abroad has long been part of my role and mission: to strengthen the connection of Israelis to Jewish communities worldwide. Each journey offers a chance to build bridges, foster understanding, and remind us that we are part of a global Jewish family. But nothing could have prepared us for the extraordinary experience of our most recent delegation.
Early Monday morning, after circling above Ben-Gurion Airport for two tense hours due to a barrage of Iranian rockets, the final 38 participants in our delegation of IDF officers finally touched down on Israeli soil. The delegation left Israel last Tuesday, before the outbreak of hostilities. They were schedulas war erupted. ed to return Monday afternoon, but everything went off the rails
Suddenly, we found ourselves navigating not only logistical challenges but deep emotional ones as well.
Not a dry eye in the house
At first, the group was confined to their New York hotel due to security concerns. Friday’s meetings were canceled. Then, as the situation evolved, we received clearance to venture out – but only to places with heightened security.
By Shabbat, the emotional weight of the moment was overwhelming. The group attended services at Lincoln Square Synagogue in Manhattan, where they were welcomed with warmth and love. During that morning’s prayers, the officers joined the local congregation in a “no-dry-eye-in-the-house” emotional prayer for the safety of Israel’s soldiers. In that moment, the distance between New York and Israel seemed to vanish.
On Monday, the group visited SAR Academy in Riverdale, NY. The welcome was, once again, overpowering. Hundreds of students lined the stairs singing in unison, surrounding our delegation in a musical embrace. Later that evening, a well-known entertainer – who asked to remain anonymous – visited the hotel and gave an unforgettable pro bono performance, offering much-needed relief and joy in a difficult time.
Throughout the week, a tireless local volunteer worked behind the scenes to connect the Israeli group with families in the New York/New Jersey area. These weren’t just meals; they were celebrations of unity. For three consecutive nights, three families in Teaneck and Englewood, New Jersey, opened their homes for festive dinners, dancing, conversation, and the forging of genuine friendships.
In one case, a sports club was even closed to the public so our group could unwind together in a private space. Unlike any trip we’ve ever organized, it was truly as exhausting – and exhilarating – as it sounds.
For Shabbat, the group traveled to Connecticut, where the local rabbi and community welcomed them with warmth and endless offers to help. And on their final evening, a restaurant in Monsey, NY, pulled out all the stops, offering a lavish dinner – complete with wine and heartfelt generosity – at a steep discount, simply out of solidarity.
Gesher tries to create this “vibe” on every mission. It’s always fascinating, upbeat, and educational. But here, in times of crisis, we were reminded firsthand of who we are at a new, intense level of depth – not just as Israelis or Jews living abroad, but as one people with a shared destiny. Across oceans and time zones, across language and culture, we felt embraced.
As we look ahead to uncertain days, one thing remains clear: the bond between Israelis and Jews around the world is not only enduring – it is growing stronger in good times and bad. We may live in different corners of the globe, but no one can deny that we share one heart, one home, and one unwavering commitment to each other.
The writer is international director of Gesher. The delegation was a partnership of Gesher, AM”I, the Jewish People Policy Institute, the IDF, and Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.